The Westerville City Schools Special Needs Preschool is now accepting applications for Peer Role Models for the 2017-2018 school year. Although the district’s preschool program is designed to provide special education services to students with disabilities, it also serves typically developing children who are looking for a well-rounded, high quality preschool experience.
When students with disabilities are served at the Early Learning Center, they receive their specialized instruction in a developmentally appropriate preschool classroom. An essential component of this experience is learning side-by-side with typically developing peers who can serve as role models and provide positive interactions. Once youngsters have had an opportunity to transition into the classroom, Peer Models are expected to participate in the classroom routine with minimal prompting from staff and should not regularly have behaviors that divert attention away from the pupils who need specialized instruction. The Early Learning Center is a wonderful option where all children learn to value diversity, recognize the gifts in everyone, and lend a hand when needed. The Early Learning Center is a 5-STAR SUTQ Program, meaning it exceeds Ohio’s childcare licensing standards.
The Early Learning Center preschool operates Monday through Thursday with 2½-hour sessions in the morning and afternoon. Class size limits are set by state and federal law and are limited to a maximum of 16 students, with no more than eight peer models per classroom.
Additional information about the program, tuition and fees, and the steps involved in the application process can be found by visiting the district’s web site at http://www.wcsoh.org/35/Home and looking for the Preschool Enrollment Process Button.